Body shaping apparel

ABSTRACT

The invention is an undergarment designed to assist a brassiere in providing lift and improved cleavage to the bust while also acting as slimming shape wear. The undergarment is worn over a brassiere. The cup-less design provides a level of lift that an ordinary brassiere on its own cannot produce. In addition, the undergarment acts as a slimming shape wear garment. The material is wider under the arm, smoothing bulges created by the brassiere.

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/287,050 filed Oct. 3, 2008 which claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/063,579, filed Feb. 4, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to an article of apparel to assist the bra. More specifically the invention is directed to an apparel apparatus designed to lift the bust and improve cleavage more than a normal brassiere can do on its own. It also improves posture and smoothes away bulges a regular brassiere creates under the arm of the wearer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This present invention relates to a new distinct means and method of enhancing the bust similar to how a push up brassiere functions. Because it shapes a woman's figure, it is considered a foundation/undergarment.

The present invention is the combination of a brassiere without cups, and a slimming shape wear garment. The objective of this invention is to naturally enhance the breast shape by lifting the breasts and creating a bigger cleavage, while smoothing underarm area and maximizing posture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a revolutionary shaper for the bust. It is a product worn over a regular brassiere to enhance the overall look and shape of the bust; specifically to create a more distinctly defined, visibly discernable cleavage. The garment provides a level of lift that an ordinary bra on its own does not deliver.

The invention also improves posture and smoothes and flattens bulges an ordinary bra creates at the underarms and back.

It is constructed of soft, stretchable microfiber encasing a thin layer of stretch foam so it is comfortable, pliable and soft to the skin. There are no elastics on the wings, only soft yet strong microfiber.

There is a main rear panel that is positioned on the back of the user. Extending from the main rear panel are first and second side bands that extend from opposite ends of the rear panel under the arms of the wearer and along the user's sides. The first and second side panels are joined at the front of the user, just under the breasts. The main rear panel has first and second straps that extend from either side near the top of the main rear panel and over the shoulder of the wearer. The straps are secured to the first and second side panels at the front of the wearer. The side panels are connected together under the breasts by hook and eye. It is possible to imagine other configurations for connecting the two panels. The bustwear of the present invention provides the user with a more naturally enhanced look, while at the same time providing the woman with suitable back support, posture, and underarm smoothness. The straps are secured to the undergarment accessory by traditional sewing as are the side panels to the main back panel. The present invention can be made using heat seals throughout the entire structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the undergarment accessory of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the undergarment accessory of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention where the undergarment accessory is a midriff length.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention where the undergarment accessory is a “long-line” length i.e., to about just past the hips of the user.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention where the undergarment accessory is a “slip length” i.e., to about the thighs of the user.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is bustwear that is to be worn in collaboration with the brassiere. In a preferred embodiment the bust wear is worn over the brassiere. The present invention is constructed by laminating fabric to foam. The material of the present invention is preferably constructed from a ⅛ inch foam sheet that has microfiber laminated on both sides of the foam. However it is possible to imagine a range of thicknesses for the foam sheet. This laminated foam may then be cut into three separate pieces, acting as the rear panel and two side panels. These three pieces are then sewn together using traditional sewing methods to create the actual bustwear invention.

As seen in FIG. 1, there is a bustwear article 10 that has a first panel 11 and a second panel 12. The first and second panels extend from the main rear panel of the bustwear 14. The first panel has a front end 15 and a rear end 16. The rear end 16 is preferably sewn to the main rear panel 14 at seam 17 that extends from top edge 18 to the bottom edge 19. There is a first extension 20 that extends upwardly between first top edge 18 and second top edge 21. A strap 22 is secured to the first extension 20. One of the advantages of the present invention is that the strap may be secured to the first extension by a sewn seam.

The strap has a ring 23 and a slide 24. The first extension 20 has a tip 25 that is folded over the ring 23 and sewn onto the first extension 20. The tip 25 passes through the ring 23 and is positioned on the front or the rear of the first extension 20 where the tip may be secured to the first extension 20, via traditional sewing methods. The strap length is adjusted using a slide. One end of the strap is fixed to the slide. The strap is weaved through the slide. As the slide is adjusted on the strap, the farther the slide moves from the ring, the shorter the straps length from the ring to the rear main panel.

The main rear panel 14 has a bottom edge 26, a first side edge 27 and a second side edge 28. The first side edge 27 is secured to the first band 11 at seam 16. The main rear panel has a top edge 29 that is separated from the second side edge 28 by first panel extension 30. First panel extension 30 has the end 31 of the strap sewn thereto.

The front end 15 of the band 11 is secured to a first front panel 32 by traditional sewing 37. The front panel has a set of hooks thereon that connect to a second front panel 34 that is provided with a plurality of eyes for securing the bustwear in position. As with the case of the straps, the first front panel 32 is secured to the first band 11 by traditional sewing.

The second panel 12 has a front end 41 and a rear end 42. The rear end 42 is preferably sewn to the main rear panel 14 at seam 46 that extends from top edge 43 to the bottom edge 44. There is a first extension 45 that extends upwardly between the first top edge 43 and a second top edge 47. The strap 48 is secured to the first extension 45. One of the advantages of the present invention is that the strap 48 may be secured to the first extension 45 by a sewn seam.

The strap has a ring 49 and a slide 50. The first extension 45 has a tip 51 that is folded over the ring 49 and sewn onto the first extension 45. The tip 51 passes through the ring 49 and is positioned on the front or the rear of the first extension 45 where the tip may be secured to the first extension 45, via traditional sewing methods.

The main rear panel 14 has a top edge 29 that is separated from the second side edge 52 by a second panel extension 53. The second panel extension 53 has the end 54 of the strap sewn thereto.

The front end 55 of the band 12 is secured to a second front panel 34 by traditional sewing. As with the case of the straps, the first front panel 34 is secured to the first band 12 by traditional sewing. When worn, the bustwear of the present invention provides the user with a more naturally enhanced bust, greater cleavage, improves posture and back support, while smoothing underarm and back bulge often associated with a regular brassiere.

In using any of the embodiments of the present invention, the user's brassiere should be adjusted properly. The shoulder strap adjusters on the regular bra should be properly tightened and they should be adjusted to provide the maximum lift. The hook closure on the regular bra should be checked to make sure that there is a comfortable fit, not too tight and not too loose.

The garment of the present invention is positioned over the user's regular bra by sliding, etc. The hook closure is in the front of the user. The same adjustments are made to the straps as for the regular bra and a snug but comfortable row of hooks is selected. The higher the shoulder strap adjusters are raised, the more the garment accentuates the user's cleavage.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show an alternate embodiment of the present invention. In these figures there is a garment that smooths and shapes the midriff area of a user i.e., the area generally between the chest and the waist. If more smoothing is desired, a “long line” body shaping garment can be used. This is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 where there is a longer body shaping and smoothing portion than the midriff version of FIGS. 3 and 4. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, the smoothing and shaping portion extends from the chest to about the hips. FIGS. 7 and 8 show an alternate embodiment where the garment provides a more significant area of smoothing and shaping. The embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8 show a body shaping slip that extends from the bust down the waist and over the thighs to provide a smooth and more shapely silhouette.

As seen in FIG. 3, there is a midriff bustwear article 110 that has a first panel 111 and a second panel 112. The first and second panels extend from the main rear panel of the bustwear 114. The first panel has a front end 115 and a rear end 116. The rear end 116 is preferably sewn to the main rear panel 114 at seam 117 that extends from top edge 118 to the bottom edge 119. There is a first extension 120 that extends upwardly between first top edge 118 and second top edge 121. A strap 122 is secured to the first extension 120. One of the advantages of the present invention is that the strap may be secured to the first extension by a sewn seam.

The strap has a ring 123 and a slide 124. The first extension 120 has a tip 125 that is folded over the ring 123 and sewn onto the first extension 120. The tip 125 passes through the ring 123 and is positioned on the front or the rear of the first extension 120 where the tip may be secured to the first extension 120, via traditional sewing methods. The strap length is adjusted using a slide. One end of the strap is fixed to the slide. The strap is weaved through the slide. As the slide is adjusted on the strap, the farther the slide moves from the ring, the shorter the straps length from the ring to the rear main panel.

The main rear panel 114 has a bottom edge 126, a first side edge 127 and a second side edge 128. The first side edge 127 is secured to the first band 111 at seam 116. The main rear panel has a top edge 129 that is separated from the second side edge 128 by first panel extension 130. First panel extension 130 has the end 131 of the strap sewn thereto.

The front end 115 of the band 111 is secured to a first front panel 132 by traditional sewing 137. The front panel has a set of hooks 138 thereon that connect to a second front panel 134 that is provided with a plurality of eyes for securing the bustwear in position. As with the case of the straps, the first front panel 132 is secured to the first band 111 by traditional sewing.

The second panel 112 has a front end 141 and a rear end 142. The rear end 142 is preferably sewn to the main rear panel 114 at seam 146 that extends from top edge 143 to the bottom edge 144. There is a first extension 145 that extends upwardly between the first top edge 143 and a second top edge 147. The strap 148 is secured to the first extension 145. One of the advantages of the present invention is that the strap 148 may be secured to the first extension 145 by a sewn seam.

The strap has a ring 149 and a slide 150. The first extension 145 has a tip 151 that is folded over the ring 149 and sewn onto the first extension 145. The tip 151 passes through the ring 149 and is positioned on the front or the rear of the first extension 145 where the tip may be secured to the first extension 145, via traditional sewing methods.

The main rear panel 114 has a top edge 129 that is separated from the second side edge 152 by a second panel extension 153. The second panel extension 153 has the end 154 of the strap sewn thereto.

The front end 155 of the band 112 is secured to a second front panel 134 by traditional sewing. As with the case of the straps, the first front panel 134 is secured to the first band 112 by traditional sewing.

Extending from the bottom edge 119 of the first panel 111 is a first midriff panel 160 that has a top edge 161 and a bottom edge 162. Joining the top edge 161 and bottom edge 162 are front end 163 and rear end 164. Front end 163 is secured to first front panel 135 by any suitable means such as stitching. The rear end 164 of the first midriff panel is secured to rear midriff panel 175. The first front panel 135 has a plurality of eyes for securing to the hooks on the second front panel 134.

Extending from bottom edge 144 of second panel 112 is a second midriff panel 170 that has a top edge 171 and a bottom edge 172. Joining the top edge 171 and bottom edge 172 are front end 173 and rear end 176. Front end 173 is secured to second front panel 134 by any suitable means such as stitching, an adhesive, etc.

The rear end 176 of the second midriff panel 170 is secured to the rear midriff panel 175. The rear midriff panel is preferably a separate panel that extends from the main rear panel 114. The bottom edge 177 of the midriff panels 160, 170 and 175 is preferably an elastic band sewn or heat sealed to the bottom edge.

The midriff smoothing and shaping panels 160 and 170 are preferably made of the same material as the panels 11, 12 and 14, i.e., a microfiber material. Shaping panels 160 and 170 may be a single panel each or multiple panels as desired. While there is a foam core in the panels 11, 12 and 14 the smoothing and shaping panels 160 and 170 preferably have no foam. Panel 175 is preferably made of a power mesh. A power mesh is a fine woven medium weight mesh with four way stretch. Power mesh is soft and stretchy providing comfort stability and ventilation. Power mesh is preferably a blend of nylon and spandex. A preferred composition is 90% nylon and 10% spandex. The foam of the panels 11, 12 and 14 is preferably a ⅛ inch foam sheet that has a microfiber fabric laminated on one or both sides of the foam sheet. The laminated foam sheet may then be cut, such as by a die cutting blade, into the panels necessary for forming the garment.

Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, there is an embodiment that is called a “long line” version. This garment extends generally from the chest to the hip area on a user.

Extending from the bottom edge 119 of the first panel 111 is a first “long line” panel 260 that has a top edge 261 and a bottom edge 262. Joining the top edge 261 and bottom edge 262 are front end 263 and rear end 264. Front end 263 is secured to first front panel 135 by any suitable means such as stitching. The rear end 264 of the first “long line” panel is secured to rear “long line” panel 275. The first front panel 135 has a plurality of hooks for securing to the eyes on the second front panel 134.

Extending from bottom edge 144 of second panel 112 is a second “long line” panel 270 that has a top edge 271 and a bottom edge 272. Joining the top edge 271 and bottom edge 272 are front end 273 and rear end 274. Front end 273 is secured to second front panel 134 by any suitable means. The long line panels 260 and 270 may be a single panel or may be multiple panels secured together such as by sewing or other suitable means.

The rear end 274 of the second “long line” panel 270 is secured to the rear “long line” panel 275. The rear midriff panel is preferably a separate panel that extends from the main rear panel 114. The bottom edge 277 of the “long line” panel 260, 270 and 275 are preferably a silicone elastic strip that is sewn or heat sealed to the panels 260, 270, and 275.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a slip version of the present invention.

Extending from the bottom edge 119 of the first panel 111 is a first slip panel 360 that has a top edge 361 and a bottom edge 362 and two rear ends 363 and 364. The rear ends 363 and 364 are secured to rear slip panel 375. Rear slip panel 375 has a top surface 376, a bottom surface 377 and two opposite side surfaces 378 and 379. The two rear ends 363 and 364 are secured to the slip panel side edges 378 and 379 by any suitable means such as by stitches or an adhesive. The slip version provides shaping over a greater portion of the user's body than the midriff version or the “long line” version. The bottom edge 377 of the “long line” panel 360, 370 and 375 are preferably a silicone elastic strip that is sewn or heat sealed to the panels 360, 370, and 375.

The slip panel 360 has a top portion 380 and 381 that are secured to the first front panel 134 and the second front panel 135 that are used to secure the ends of the support portion of the garment. Rear long line panel 275 and slip panel 375 are preferably made with a power mesh material. If desired the garment may be lined with a power mesh material as an additional layer or as one of the panels itself. 

1. An apparel apparatus for assisting a brassiere in improving cleavage, slimming underarm area and improving posture comprising: a main rear panel positioned on the back of the user, a first panel and a second panel, said panels extending from the main rear panel, said panels having an outer surface, an inner surface, a top surface and a bottom surface, said panels being positioned below the user's brassiere providing additional lift for the breasts, a first and a second extension, said first extension extending upwardly from the top edge of said first panel and said second extension extending upwardly from the top edge of said second panel, a first and a second strap extending from said main rear panel and over the shoulder of the wearer, said first strap being connected to said first extension at the front of the wearer, said second strap being connected to said second extension at the front of the wearer.
 2. An apparel apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said panels are comprised of a foam sheet, said foam sheet having a first side and a second side, and a first sheet and a second sheet of microfiber, said microfiber being soft and flexible, said first sheet of microfiber being laminated to the first side of said foam sheet and said second sheet of microfiber being laminated to the second side of said foam sheet.
 3. The apparel apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said foam sheet has a ⅛ inch thickness.
 4. An apparel apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said strap is attached to said first and second panels using a ring.
 5. An apparel apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the length of said strap is adjusted using a slide.
 6. An apparel apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said first strap being attached to said first extension, said second strap being attached to said second extension.
 7. An apparel apparatus according to claim 6 wherein heat seals are used to fuse said first and second panels to said main rear panel and fuse said straps to said main rear panel.
 8. An apparel apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said first and second panels are sewn to said main rear panel and said straps are sewn to said main rear panel.
 9. An apparel apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said first and second panels are sewn to the main rear panel.
 10. The apparel apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said first panel has one or more midriff panels extending from a bottom edge thereof, said second panel has one or more midriff panels extending from a bottom edge thereof, and the main rear panel has a rear midriff panel extending from a bottom edge thereof, said first midriff panel and said second midriff panel being secured to opposite sides of said rear midriff panel.
 11. The apparel apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said first panel has a first “long line” panel extending from a bottom edge thereof, said second panel has a second “long line” panel extending from a bottom edge thereof, and the main rear panel has a rear “long line” panel extending from a bottom edge thereof, said first “long line” panel and said second “long line” panel being secured to opposite sides of said rear “long line” panel.
 12. The apparel apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said first panel and said second panel have a single slip panel extending from a bottom edge of said first and second panel and wherein there is a rear slip panel extending from said rear panel and wherein said rear slip panel is secured to said rear slip panel at opposite sides of said rear slip panel.
 13. An apparel apparatus for assisting a brassiere in improving cleavage, slimming underarm area and improving posture comprising: a back panel, said back panel having a inner surface and an outer surface, a top edge a bottom edge, said top edge having a concave shape, said bottom edge having a straight edge, a left side edge and a right side edge, each said side edge having a generally triangular extension that forms a peak extending from about the midpoint of each said side edge, a top left corner extension extending from the contact point between said left side edge and said top edge, a top right corner extension extending from the contact point between said right side edge and said top edge, said corner extensions having a generally straight edge, a left side panel and a right side panel, each side panel having an inner surface and an outer surface, a top edge, bottom edge, an inner side edge and an outer side edge, said outer surface of said inner side edge of each side panel being sewn to said side edge of said back panel from said midpoint of said side edge of main back panel to said bottom edge of main back panel, a triangular extension extending from said top edge, said triangular extension having a generally flat tip, said flat tip being looped through a ring and heat sealed to said triangular extension of each said side panel, said length of said outer edge of said side panels being shorter than said inner edge of said side panels, said outer edge of said left side panel having a plurality of hooks arranged vertically, said outer edge of said right side panel having a plurality of eyes arranged vertically, said bottom edge curving downward, said side panels residing below the breast of the wearer, a left strap and a right strap, said straps having a back end and a front end, said left strap being heat sealed to said left corner extension of said back panel, said right strap being heat sealed to said right corner extension of said back panel, said straps having a slide to adjust the length of said straps, said front end of said left strap being looped through said ring of said left side panel, said front end of said right strap being looped through said ring of said right panel, said front end of said straps being looped through said slide and heat sealed, said straps being worn over the shoulder of said wearer.
 14. The apparel apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said right side panel has a first midriff panel extending from a bottom edge thereof, said left side panel has a second midriff panel extending from a bottom edge thereof, and the back panel has a rear midriff panel extending from a bottom edge thereof, said first midriff panel and said second midriff panel being secured to opposite sides of said rear midriff panel.
 15. The apparel apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said right side panel has a first “long line” panel extending from a bottom edge thereof, said left side panel has a second “long line” panel extending from a bottom edge thereof, and the back panel has a rear “long line” panel extending from a bottom edge thereof, said first “long line” panel and said second “long line” panel being secured to opposite sides of said rear “long line” panel.
 16. The apparel apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said right side panel and said left side panel have a single slip panel extending from a bottom edge of said right and left panel and wherein there is a rear slip panel extending from said rear panel and wherein said rear slip panel is secured to said rear slip panel at opposite sides of said rear slip panel.
 17. The apparel apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said first panel has two or more midriff panels extending from a bottom edge thereof, said second panel has two or more midriff panels extending from a bottom edge thereof, and the main rear panel has a rear midriff panel extending from a bottom edge thereof, one of said first midriff panels and one of said second midriff panels being secured to opposite sides of said rear midriff panel.
 18. An apparel apparatus for assisting a brassiere in improving cleavage, slimming underarm area and improving posture comprising: a back panel, said back panel having a inner surface and an outer surface, a top edge a bottom edge, said top edge having a concave shape, said bottom edge having a straight edge, a left side edge and a right side edge, each said side edge having a generally triangular extension that forms a peak extending from about the midpoint of each said side edge, a top left corner extension extending from the contact point between said left side edge and said top edge, a top right corner extension extending from the contact point between said right side edge and said top edge, said corner extensions having a generally straight edge, a left side panel and a right side panel, each side panel having an inner surface and an outer surface, a top edge, bottom edge, an inner side edge and an outer side edge, said outer surface of said inner side edge of each side panel being sewn to said side edge of said back panel from said midpoint of said side edge of main back panel to said bottom edge of main back panel, a triangular extension extending from said top edge, said triangular extension having a generally flat tip, said flat tip being looped through a ring and sewn to said triangular extension of each said side panel, said length of said outer edge of said side panels being shorter than said inner edge of said side panels, said outer edge of said left side panel having a plurality of hooks arranged vertically, said outer edge of said right side panel having a plurality of eyes arranged vertically, said bottom edge curving downward, said side panels residing below the breast of the wearer, a left strap and a right strap, said straps having a back end and a front end, said left strap being sewn to said left corner extension of said back panel, said right strap being sewn to said right corner extension of said back panel, said straps having a slide to adjust the length of said straps, said front end of said left strap being looped through said ring of said left side panel, said front end of said right strap being looped through said ring of said right panel, said front end of said straps being looped through said slide and heat sealed, said straps being worn over the shoulder of said wearer. 